The Criterion of Discipleship
John 13:35
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.


Love is —

I. A SIMPLE TEST. Had it been the adoption of a certain set of beliefs, or conformity to certain rites, it would have been too complicated to be of easy application or practical use; but here how simple — "He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen," etc.

II. AN INFALLIBLE TEST. Other tests, even the best, are of doubtful accuracy; the application may lead to wrong conclusions. But this is infallible, and will determine the destiny of all men at the last day (Matthew 25).

III. A SOLEMN TEST. If we apply it to the Christians of this age and country, where men hate, cheat, and fight each other, how few will prove genuine disciples l Could all men stand it the world would be a paradise.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

WEB: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."




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